Blessing others brings joy

Rosemary Davidson has been serving others in her church and community for 50 years.

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Former Lutheran Women of Western Australia president Rosemary Davidson doesn’t think of herself as a volunteer, despite five decades of service.

Rather, those who know her would say helping others has come naturally to her. Some people she has cared for see Rosemary as a mentor and inspiration.

One of her inspirations is from Ephesians 2:10: ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them’ (ESV).

As a young wife with three children, in the town of Pingelly south-east of Perth, she helped out with husband Robert in community and sports clubs and through school and church connections. Later, she was a Bible study leader, taught dancing, organised debutante balls, and led Scripture lessons at the local school. She also taught first aid and became an accredited trainer. Years on, first aid training became her paid employment.

In the early 1980s, while working part-time nursing assistant, Rosemary was nominated for the Mrs WA Quest to raise money for cerebral palsy support. Winning the title was a wonderful witnessing opportunity. ‘I thanked God and told the parents that one day, in heaven, their children would be running free and beautiful’, she says.

In 2009 Rosemary completed the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) course at Royal Perth Hospital in order to become a qualified chaplain. In 2013 she was installed as an accredited Lay Worker at Parkwood Lutheran Church in Perth.

She believes there are simple ways in which anyone can serve others. ‘We can support by listening, encouraging, assuring them of God’s love or just sitting near them. Telephone calls, emails, texting, a card, flowers or food can mean all the difference to someone’s wellness and hope.’

The Davidsons lived at Bremer Bay on Western Australia’s south coast for the past three years. However, due to Robert’s declining health, the couple has recently returned to Perth. Members at St Paul’s Albany, they worship at St Johns in Perth.

Rosemary believes God will work through anyone willing to serve. ‘Be encouraged that God will use you as a vital volunteer, as he has gifted you, and you will grow … as you exercise your faith to serve him’, she says.

‘Our service is not of ourselves, but God giving us the energy and desire to serve. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.’

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